Dear Allie: The Great Outdoors

DEAR ALLIE: Now that the weather is getting nice, my cat is showing a real interest in venturing outside. His name is Akiva and he is a big, beautiful, black cat that I adopted last fall. He is probably about 2-years-old and I don’t know his prior history. He seemed content to lay around all winter and just look out the windows, but now he’s creeping around by the door, acting as if he may just run out. For now, I am keeping him inside, but am I doing Akiva an injustice by not letting him outside?

Cautious and curious, Ashley

DEAR AKIVA’S GATEKEEPER: Your dilemma is a common one and the decision to let a kitty outside should be thoughtful and planned. There are many things to consider, with safety and quality of life at the top of the list. I personally believe that barn cats are some of the luckiest kitties in the world: they get to play and hunt and be wild, but are still given a home with shelter and food. However, it all depends on the cat and where you live.

Some cats, like dogs and people for that matter, like to be pampered and prefer the indoors. They just want a nice meal and a warm bed. These types of cats would not fare well outside as they likely don’t have the street smarts that are necessary to survive. It can be rough out there with the dangers of other cats, dogs, wildlife, and cars…

Safety should be the #1 consideration in letting a kitty venture outside. Cars are the biggest threat! So, if you live on a busy street, I would really advise you not to let your cat outside at all. (Exception: “catios”= enclosed cat patios or supervised and controlled excursions in your backyard.) Also, cats that have never lived outside don’t necessarily know to avoid other animals, i.e. other cats, dogs, and wildlife. There are diseases that other animals can pass along to your kitty, not to mention the threat of attack.

If, after careful consideration, you do decide to let your kitty explore the great outdoors, there are several precautions you must take:

Microchip your cat. It is quick and easy and will link Akiva to you in case his collar comes off and he goes missing.

Breakaway collars with your ID give others another way to contact you, but will also come off if your cat gets caught on something.

Vaccinations, especially against Feline Leukemia and Rabies, are imperative before allowing your cat outside. Feline Leukemia can be transmitted to your kitty by another cat simply grooming him. Both diseases are deadly and preventable.

Ensure that your kitty comes home before nightfall and make sure he knows how to get home.

Introduce him to his new playground slowly and carefully. Or just keep him inside and don’t worry about it.